Kansas bill offers convicted vets mental treatment

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Some military veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress who are convicted of low-level crimes could be ordered by Kansas courts to receive treatment as a condition of their sentence.

A bill advancing Wednesday in the Kansas House would allow veterans who meet strict criteria to receive treatment for their mental illness, provided the sentence for their crime doesn’t require time in prison.

The bill’s aimed at helping veterans who are coping with PTSD and other mental illness as a result of their combat service. The treatment would be ordered at the time of the court conviction or before sentencing to veterans who have received a general or honorable military discharge.

Supporters say the measure is a first step in helping veterans address their mental health needs and seek proper treatment.